If you were hurt in a jackknife truck accident in Lima, Ohio, the Law Office of Michael J. Tremoulis can help. Call (419) 871-4247 for a free consultation with a Lima jackknife accident lawyer to discuss your legal options and next steps.
A jackknife crash happens when a truck’s trailer swings out toward the cab. The trailer can strike nearby vehicles or block several lanes of traffic, putting drivers and passengers at risk of serious injuries.
How Can the Law Office of Michael J. Tremoulis Help After a Jackknife Accident in Lima?
At the Law Office of Michael J. Tremoulis, our Lima personal injury lawyers have 150 years of combined experience and have recovered tens of millions of dollars for clients. We can explain your legal options and help you pursue compensation for your losses.
Our Lima truck accident attorneys can:
- Review police reports, photos, videos, and witness statements
- Obtain trucking company and driver records
- Investigate possible safety violations
- Identify parties that may share responsibility
- Evaluate your injuries and other losses
- Handle communications and negotiations with insurers
- Work with experts when needed
- File a lawsuit when appropriate
If you need help after a serious truck crash in Lima, OH, contact us today for a free consultation.
What Is My Jackknife Accident Case Worth?
There is no standard value for a jackknife accident claim. The amount you may recover depends on the facts of the crash, the available evidence, and how the accident has affected you.
Factors that may affect what your case is worth include:
- The type and severity of your injuries
- How long your recovery takes
- Whether you need future medical care
- Whether your injuries affect your ability to work
- Any permanent disability or impairment
- The strength of the evidence showing fault
- Whether you share responsibility for the crash
- The number of potentially responsible parties
- The insurance coverage and other sources of compensation available
An attorney can evaluate these factors along with the damages caused by the accident.
What Kinds of Damages Are Available to Jackknife Accident Victims?
Damages are the losses you may recover after an accident. Economic damages are costs that can be measured, while non-economic damages cover the personal effects of an injury.
Economic damages may include:
- Medical and hospital bills
- Rehabilitation costs
- Lost wages
- Future loss of income
For example, if you cannot work for several months after a crash, your lost pay may be an economic damage.
Non-economic damages compensate for personal losses that do not have a specific dollar amount. Depending on your injuries, these damages may include pain and suffering, emotional distress, physical impairment, disfigurement, or loss of enjoyment of life. The amount depends on the circumstances and how the injuries have affected your daily life.
Can I Recover Compensation if I’m Being Blamed For a Jackknife Accident in Ohio?
Ohio follows a modified comparative fault rule. This means your compensation may be reduced if you are partly responsible for the crash. However, you generally cannot recover damages if you are more than 50% at fault.
For example, if you have $100,000 in damages but are found 20% responsible, your recovery could be reduced to $80,000. Because fault can greatly affect your claim, it is important to have the facts of the crash carefully reviewed.
Common Jackknife Accident Injuries in Lima, Ohio
A jackknife crash can cause serious injuries, especially when a truck strikes a smaller vehicle. Some injuries may also take hours or days to become noticeable.
Common injuries include:
- Broken bones
- Head and brain injuries
- Back and spinal injuries
- Neck injuries
- Internal injuries
- Burns and severe cuts
- Crushing injuries
- Permanent disabilities
Medical care is important after a truck crash, even if you do not feel badly hurt at first. A doctor can check for injuries and create a record of your treatment.
What Causes Most Jackknife Accidents in Ohio?
Jackknife crashes can happen for many reasons. Finding the cause can help determine who may be legally responsible.
Common causes include:
- Speeding
- Sudden braking
- Distracted or tired driving
- Improperly loaded cargo
- Brake or tire problems
- Poor truck maintenance
- Unsafe lane changes
- Rain, snow, or ice
A trucking company may also be responsible if it failed to properly train a driver or maintain its vehicles. Our team can investigate the crash to determine what caused it.
How Long Do I Have to File a Jackknife Accident Lawsuit in Ohio?
In most Ohio personal injury cases, you have two years to file a lawsuit. The deadline can vary in some situations, so it is important not to wait.
Evidence can also become harder to find as time passes. Contacting a lawyer early can give our team time to investigate the crash and protect your claim.
What Should I Do After a Jackknife Accident?
What you do after a truck crash can help protect both your health and your legal claim. If you can safely do so, take steps to document the accident.
After a jackknife accident, you should:
- Call 911 and report the crash
- Get medical treatment
- Take photos of the crash and your injuries
- Get contact information from witnesses
- Keep your medical bills and other records
- Avoid admitting fault
- Notify your insurance company
- Speak with a lawyer before accepting a settlement
These steps can help preserve important evidence and show how the crash affected you. If you are seriously injured, your health should always come first.
Contact Our Lima Jackknife Accident Lawyers for a Free Consultation
A jackknife accident can cause serious injuries and leave you facing medical treatment, time away from work, and an uncertain recovery. You may have the right to pursue compensation from the party or parties responsible for the crash.
Contact the Law Office of Michael J. Tremoulis today to schedule a free consultation with a Lima jackknife accident attorney and learn more about your legal options.
